I know exactly what you mean. I also came from a light XC upbringing on a 19-lb Cannondale HT. After my first MTB epic ride(5.2hrs @24miles)...I finally decided a LIGHT FS TRAILBIKE is really what I needed. After weighing all the light FS options - I found the 2010 Giant Anthem X2 the lightest, cheapest, most versatile option around. In fact the Giant excels at climbing, descending and log-hopping I sold my 23-lb 2009 Intense Spider FRO and turned my Anthem into a 21.5 pound trail beast...all for $2300!